1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels… Consider the glory into which Jesus is received as Mediator. 1. He is invested with the glorious office of interceding for lost sinners, and thus procuring their reconciliation and acceptance with God. Never was there a priest or advocate so truly glorious. 2. Jesus is invested with the high and honourable office of imparting saving light and life to the world by the influences of His Spirit and grace. 3. Jesus is advanced to the glory of universal dominion. To Him whom men despised; to Him whom the nation abhorred; to a Servant of rulers dominion and glory and a kingdom are given, that all people, nations and languages should serve Him. 4. Christ is received into glory as the Forerunner of His people, and the Pattern of their approaching bliss.Conclusion: 1. Let our conversation and hearts be where our Lord is. 2. Let, O Christian, the majesty and greatness of thy Lord excite thee to a bold undisguised profession of thy regards to Him. 3. Debase not that nature which God hath thus exalted in the person of Christ. Our nature, in Him, is advanced above the angels, and is next in dignity to the nature of God. 4. How great the happiness of those who are admitted to heaven, and who there behold the glory of the Redeemer l (J. Erskine, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. |
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